hundreds of dead fish have washed ashore due to red tide

SPACE COAST DAILY TV:Brevard County Jail inmate “Chain Gang” members were on Brevard County south beaches picking up the hundreds of dead fish that have washed ashore due to the recent outbreak of red tide. Space Coast Daily’s Alan Zlotorzynzki stopped by to speak with BCSO Public Information Officer Tod Goodyear.

BREVARD COUNTY • SATELLITE BEACH, FLORIDA — The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office “Chain Gang” members were on Brevard County south beaches picking up the hundreds of dead fish that have washed ashore due to the recent outbreak of red tide.

The Florida Department of Health has issued advisories to warn beachgoers of potential health impacts of red tide.

Red tide is commonly used to describe a higher-than-normal concentration of microscopic algae in the water that can kill fish and can also cause a variety of health-related conditions, ranging from eye, nose and throat irritation to more serious issues for people with chronic respiratory conditions.

The current red tide began on the state’s west coast and gradually worked its way south. More recently, the red tide has moved up the east coast of the state and into Brevard County.

Brevard County Government’s Natural Resources Management Department, in coordination with FWC, collected water samples to detect for the presence of red tide along Brevard County beaches.

Brevard County Jail inmate “Chain Gang” members were on Brevard County south beaches picking up the hundreds of dead fish that have washed ashore due to the recent outbreak of red tide.

Brevard County Jail inmate “Chain Gang” members were on Brevard County south beaches picking up the hundreds of dead fish that have washed ashore due to the recent outbreak of red tide.

Brevard County Government’s Natural Resources Department, along with the Tourist Development Council, Florida Department of Health, FWC and the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute have been monitoring conditions and working on a response plan.

Beaches will remain open, though signage warning of red tide conditions will be posted. Beachgoers who sense respiratory issues should leave the beach.

The Florida Department of Health has posted answers to frequently asked questions about red tide and its health risks at this link, CLICK HERE